What size pet carrier is approved by the TSA?

Most airlines will let you bring pet carriers that are ≤18″ long x 13″ wide x 9″ high on board the plane as carry-on luggage. Basically, the TSA says the carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.n

How should I label my pet carrier?

You’ll want to clearly write your pet’s name, your name, and contact info on the outside of the carrier. It’s also a good idea to put a picture of your pet on the label so airport workers know what animal is inside. The labels help ensure Fido or Fluffy doesn’t get misplaced along the way.n

Can you check a pet carrier as luggage?

While you can check a larger pet carrier, it’s usually better to keep them in the cabin with you if possible. Animals get stressed being away from their owners in the belly of the plane. However, if you must check it, be sure it is well ventilated and has methods to provide food, water, and let waste out during the travel period.n

What happens if my pet acts up on the plane?

Most well-trained pets will just sleep through the whole flight. But occasionally one might bark or act anxious from the noise and movement. If that happens, just try to comfort and calm your pet. If it’s severely disturbing other passengers, you may have to check the carrier instead. Yet with practice, many pets get used to flying.

Is there a weight limit for pet carriers?

The airlines impose size and weight limits for pet carriers that can fly in the cabin versus those that need to be checked as baggage. Most carriers max out at around 20 pounds, including the pet. Heavier animals may have to be checked, possibly incurring an additional fee. Always check airline rules ahead of time to avoid surprises.n

What other items can I bring in the carrier?

In addition to your pet, you can stash a few necessary items inside like a favorite toy or two to relieve stress. However, the carrier cannot contain anything sharp or potentially dangerous of course. It’s also okay to slip in a small pack of treats or a sealed water bottle in case of delays. Just be mindful of weight restrictions.n

TSA Approved Pet Carriers – Find the Best Carry On & Hardside Dog Carriers Accepted by Airports

Your Guide to Finding the Perfect TSA-Approved Pet Carrier

Whether you’re hitting the road for a vacation or making an unexpected trip to visit loved ones, packing up Fido or Fluffy can add an extra layer of planning. As any pet parent knows, making sure your furry companion travels in comfort and safety is a top priority. With requirements varying by airline and having an approved carrier won’t just make check-in smoother – it’s a necessity for air travel.

Understanding TSA Regulations

Before selecting a carrier, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines. The TSA sets size limits to ensure pets can fit safely and freely move about the container during screening. Carriers must be able to fit completely under the seat in front of you.

Hard-sided carriers less than 20 inches long x 16 inches wide x 8 inches high are permitted.
Soft-sided carriers must not exceed these dimensions when fully expanded or measure over 25 pounds inclusive of the pet.

From my experience traveling with pets, these size limits basically mean small dogs and cats only. Larger dogs may require a travel crate that can be checked as baggage. Always check airline baggage fees and policies too. Some routes only permit in-cabin pets if they can fit under the seat as a carry-on.

Deciding Between Hard or Soft Sides

Both hard and soft carriers have pros and cons to consider:

Hard carriers are more durable and tend to provide pets with a sense of security similar to their own crate. They prevent animals from escaping mid-flight if the carrier is jostled around during take-off or landing. I personally prefer these for longer trips and flights involving connections. The downside is they can be bulky and don’t fold down small.

Soft carriers collapse into a more compact size for storage and often have decent ventilation. On the other hand, they rely on zippers that pets may learn to undo. Kind of a risk if you have an escape artist! Basically, they’re less robust than hard crates. I’d reserve these for shorter hops under 2 hours unless you have a very calm and well-trained pet.

TSA Approved Pet Carriers – Find the Best Carry On & Hardside Dog Carriers Accepted by Airports image 3

Most well-socialized pets do better with familiar furnishings from home to help them feel at ease. Consider adding a favorite toy or blanket inside the carrier regardless of type for comfort.

Top TSA-Approved Carrier Picks

Here are some top-rated options that meet carry-on size limits:

Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier – This is a great hard-sided pick. Strong plastic construction with mesh windows and folds flat for storage. Roomy interior and comes in various sizes. From $40-80 depending.

Pet Magasin Soft Cabin Bag – As a soft carrier, this zippered bag has dual handles and shoulder strap for portability. Thickly padded with ample ventilation. Around $50.

Snoozer Lookout Luggage – For slightly larger dogs, this collapsible soft carrier expands to just under size limits at 19x13x9 inches. Has side pockets and tether points. About $70.

Petmate Sky Kennel – Hard plastic kennel that assembles easily. Ideal for anxious fliers since it mimics a traditional crate. Runs $60-80 based on size.

TSA Approved Pet Carriers – Find the Best Carry On & Hardside Dog Carriers Accepted by Airports image 2

Wow Pet Travel Crate Bag – Folded down, this soft-sided option is super slim. Fully expanded provides good interior space. Only $35 but seems pretty sturdily constructed.

No matter which style you go for, be sure to test it out before your trip. You want your pet acclimated and comfortable so boarding the plane is a low-stress experience for all. Basically, the more they practice going in and out of it at home, the smoother things will be on travel day.

Airline-Specific Rules

While the TSA establishes minimum requirements, individual airlines have additional rules. Some restrict certain breeds or charge size-based pet fees. Always check policies for your chosen carrier and be prepared for add-ons to ticket costs like baggage or specialty service fees. Though fees vary, generally plan on $100-250 roundtrip depending how long Fido will be in cabin with you versus cargo. Basically, budget accordingly since costs add up fast when pets come along.

United for instance only accepts cats and dogs under 20 pounds in the cabin for flights over 5 hours. American mandates hard-sided carriers able to fit completely under the seat. Delta prohibits brachycephalic breeds including Pugs and Bulldogs on flights during summer months for health risk reasons. Basically, do your carrier and airline homework to avoid disruptions to your trip.

In one kinda crazy pet travel case I heard of, a couple brought their small dog on board without realizing the hard carrier was just an inch too tall! Had to scramble to check it last minute and pay extra fees, which totally would have been avoided with better prep. At the same time, you never know what situations might pop up. By having the right sized TSA carrier and knowing policies in advance though, you reduce risks of problems en route.

Final Prep Tips

On travel day, arrive extra early since security screening and check-in take longer with pets in tow. Have vaccination records handy too in case requested. Also pack any needed meds or special food in your carry-on in case baggage gets delayed. And don’t forget ID tags with your contact info in case little Rover gets turned around along the way.

Rehearse the carrier routine one last time before heading out so your pet is chill by the time you hit security. Bring along some treats or a favorite toy as a pick-me-up after passing through the X-ray machine. With all the pre-trip planning and training, hopefully your furry friend takes travel in stride! Let me know if you have any other pet carrier questions as you gear up for your next adventure together.